Working towards a healthier Dalhousie

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So, for a variety of reasons, I will admit to my personal skeptism about support groups. However, from the exploration of resources for people with Pain, I came to the understanding they can indeed have value.

Why do I say that? I very recently had my first experience as part of a support group (and I didn’t even know it was happening!). To make a long story short, to prepare for the possibility of being directly involved with a group on campus, I attended a facilitators workshop for group leaders and a conference for health care professionals. I am still trying to digest what I learned and the stories that I heard!! One thing stood out – it was a community effort. As the contributors were sharing, I could see a vision for a working support group unfold.

The support group leaders came from different backgrounds, experiences and geographic locations. Their individual and collective journeys of Chronic Pain filled with heartbreak and triumph, anger and frustration, gratitude and humor. This strong group of leaders talked of issues with treatments, wait times, sleep, injury, relationships, careers, quality of life, stigma and more. Some had great successes with their groups, some less so. But I personally felt overwhelming support, warmth and welcome in the most non-judgmental way. (Hmmm, maybe they are on to something here??)

After much careful thought and consideration and as a follow-up to the events taking place in November, we (Dalhousie HR) are launching a support group for Chronic Pain. The group will be shaped much like the one that’s on-campus for Caregivers (See Today@Dal: http://www.dal.ca/news/2016/05/25/dal-recognizes-caregivers-with-appreciation-day.html ). A portion of the group’s time together will be sharing for constructive support, with the remainder allotted to a guest speaker to present on a relevant topic. Much of how the sessions evolve will depend on the group’s interests. Confidentiality is expected by all – a support group is a safe space.

I’m super pleased to share the following learning event, being held on campus on November 2. It is in partnership with the Dalhousie Pain Group and the Action Atlantic Pain Society.

Human Resources is conducting a learning session for faculty and staff facing challenges with Pain on November 2 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm in the Student Union Building, Room 224. Participants in this session will be presented with information and resources to better understand what pain is, how it may manifest in the body and options available to address the physical effects. Approaches for self-care and methods of coping will be discussed, as well as improving communication with health care providers. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the session leaders. The goal is to empower people with pain to make better decisions to better address obstacles.

I am starting to meet researchers, academics, health care professionals and advocates in an effort to get a better understanding of the resources available for faculty and staff identifying as having Pain. It is truly impressive to hear what work is being done by such a tremendenous group of leaders right here in Halifax and as part of Dalhousie. It is also remarkable the dedication to the person as whole, not just the mechanics of the Pain and the desire to be part of the solution. As a person with Pain, it gives me the greatest sense of hope.

So, on behalf of one research team in particular, I am happy to pass along the following information regarding a current study:

Risk and Resilience in Children of Parents with Chronic Pain:

Parents with chronic pain and their children, ages 8-15 years, are needed for an IWK Health Centre and Nova Scotia Health Authority study. The study involves one 90-minute visit to their research centre. Parents and children will be compensated for their participation and travel expenses. Call or email to learn more! (902) 470-6906 or CPPRWest@IWK.nshealth.ca

I have learned (the hard way, naturally) that in order to live a Function Centred Life, that I need to ‘manage my energy;’ a shift from ‘managing my time.’ It’s about balancing my personal and professional responsibilities, needs and wants in a more mindful way. Otherwise, I fear I will drop the ball, make a mistake, make a bad choice/decision or won’t be my chipper ol’ smiley self. All of which can and will affect me at home and at work.

As a result of following this approach, there are some occasions now when I have to say ‘No.’ And as a Type A, restless, people pleaser, with generally lots of gas in the proverbial tank, it is actually a very challenging thing to do. I have also discovered it can be confusing for others when they are used to hearing a ‘Yes,’ especially when they can’t see your Pain and you don’t want them to see your Pain! I constantly grapple with finding the right words to communicate intent and reason, without causing undue stress. To complicate matters, when I am having a rough patch, the ‘No’ may come during a time when I may have otherwise said ‘Yes.’

So what is this Function Centred Life? It puts me in the driver’s seat in living with Pain. And it took me a while (and a few blunt conversations) to really understand what it meant and what role I needed to play. (Here is one version: http://prc.canadianpaincoalition.ca/en/self_management.html) By working through this approach, I feel at least more prepared for the road ahead and more in-control (most of the time, at least!).

I end this post with a quote I happened upon which I rather liked: “Don’t allow your wounds to transform you into someone you are not.” – Paulo Coelho